Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Super Rugby: Leading Prop leaves Europe for Argentine Franchise

Argentine international tighthead prop Francisco Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro has become the twenty-fifth player to sign a central contract with the Unión Argentina de Rugby (UAR). Still based in Lyon, France the sixteen time capped front-rower is to join Nicolás Sánchez, Joaquín Tuculet and captain Agustín Creevy in returning home to Argentina from Europe. He is just the second tighthead prop contracted to the UAR but, unlike Matías Díaz, he is contracted beyond 2015. Tetaz Chaparro's deal will see him under contract with Argentine rugby until the end of 2017. While under contract he will be available to represent Argentina at every opportunity in addition to playing Super Rugby for the new Argentine franchise.

The latest player to sign for the UAR is tighthead prop Francisco Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro. The acquisition of the twenty-five year old is positive news for both the Argentine Super Rugby franchise and Los Pumas. In 2014 Tetaz Chaparro became a regular in the test side under Daniel Hourcade. Inn addition to receiving game time in all six Rugby Championship matches Tetaz Chaparo also faced Chile, France, Italy, Scotland and Uruguay.

In joining the Argentine Super Rugby franchise Tetaz Chaparro is leaving behind a career in Europe. He is currently contracted to Top 14 side Lyon who need two big wins to avoid relegation. Since debuting for Lyon in late November Tetaz Chaparro has made nine appearances which have included starting on both sides of the front-row. He also previously played for Stade Français in addition to the Newport-Gwent Dragons in Wales whom he made thirteen appearances for in the 2013-2014 season.

Together with Ramiro Herrera Tetaz Chaparro is Hourcade's leading World Cup options to play tighthead prop. Other possibilities exist Matías Diáz who is on a one year deal with the UAR or others based abroad such as Juan Figallo and Francisco Goméz Kodela. With the signature of Tetaz Chaparro the updated list of players on central UAR contracts is shown below.